PAUL PHILLIPS - “Contradictions”
My old pal John Montague mailed this record to me several weeks back;
‘Would you give Paul’s CD a listen and put some of your thoughts down on
paper?’ I decided I would resist the temptation to research Paul’s background
and just concentrate on the music, try and build up a picture of the man from
his songs alone.
The cover shot of a big Gibson guitar, and Paul’s hands, says a lot
about this project, I suspect. These songs have been whittled with love and
care. Paul’s simple accompaniment creates a comfortable backdrop for his gifts
as a writer and communicator. As William Shakepeare’s Othello once said
modestly, prior to unleashing a majestic soliloquy; ‘I will a round unvarnished
tale deliver.’
There are no fancy production tricks here; the song is ‘King’ as Mr
Phillips picks or strums his guitar in a supportive, understated fashion. John
Montague adds a little guitar colour here, a harmony there. Elsewhere Nigel
Lawson blows a little harp while Bill Cassell plays some tuba.
What of the songs? The opening Contradictions,
appears to discuss the difficulties of a relationship; ‘Still we keep
coming back for more’ and the realisation that all we have in this world is
each other. The topical This Is The Deal
looks at economic woes; ‘The market can’t be wrong, there’s wealth to be made’
The sprightly country guitar picking, and Nigel Lawson’s weary harmonica, are
most effective.
The finger-picked Love’s Lantern
and Crazy Days are both poignant
pieces; the latter looks back fondly on a relationship. Evening Candlewax is a moody nostalgic piece, the song title
serving as an effective metaphor for times gone by.
Mrs Hilda Jones lightens the
tone with its jaunty melody. The lady in question breaks into song beneath the
landmarks of London.
The sense of setting and fun gives the track a Kinks sort of fee. The
unaccompanied Mother Earth creates
contrast while Running On Empty (not
the Jackson Browne song) looks at the passage of time and an awareness of ones
mortality, ‘I’ve been reckless, I’ve been wise’.
The closing Remember Yesterday
expands on the previous tracks sentiments and may just be the finest number in
the set. It is a beautiful song, nostalgic and poignant; ‘Whatever else may
change, memories remain.’
Mr Phillips, I’ve never met you,
but you have bravely and successfully communicated some of your inner-most
thoughts. That takes courage, but it is also therapeutic for you to share your
songs. Well done, masked man!
John
Brindle